Slim and thin are two different things. A slim body type is one with curves that enhance its overall appearance. A thin body type, on the other hand, is one without any noticeable curves. Being slim is typically seen as more appealing than being thin.
Creating a slimmer you often means dealing with a spare tire. Drastic weight loss or pregnancy can create loose sagging skin, pockets of stubborn fat, and stretch marks on the stomach. Pregnancy can also cause the abdominal muscles to stretch, separate, and hang loosely, creating the look of an unwanted belly bulge. Many of these issues can also come about as a result of weight gain, heredity, aging, and prior surgery.
If you’re dealing with these problems, you may be thinking about positive lifestyle changes. Hitting the weight area at the gym, doing cardio, and eating six to eight small meals throughout the day are a great first step, but they often have no effect on stubborn abdominal rolls.
If you want to accentuate, sculpt, and define your curves for a slimmer and more appealing figure, the tummy tuck may be the perfect option for you.
Ideal Tummy-Tuck Candidates
Ideal candidates for a tummy-tuck procedure are those who follow a stable diet and have achieved their target body weight. Patients considering a tummy tuck must be physically fit. The results of a tummy tuck are permanent, but they can diminish if the patient fails to maintain a consistent body weight, so committing to a healthy lifestyle after the procedure is vital.
A tummy tuck is not recommended for women who are planning a pregnancy within a year of the procedure. Best results are noticed in patients who don’t smoke, as smoking can affect tissue laxity.
While it can address stubborn pockets of abdominal fat, a tummy tuck is not the right option for patients who are looking for a weight-loss solution. The procedure is intended specifically for contouring.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
Smokers are advised to quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after the surgery in order to ensure a recovery free of complications. Dietary changes must be avoided before the tummy tuck; a balanced and nutritious diet is ideal.
Before coming in for your procedure, stock up on ice packs, comfortable and loose clothing, and petroleum jelly. Get a handheld shower head and a shower chair to make showering easier for you during recovery.
Tummy-Tuck Aftercare
Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided by Dr. Keegan during your tummy-tuck consultation. Wearing a post-surgical compression garment and using ice packs will help to ameliorate post-surgical swelling and bruising.
Patients will need to rest and recover for the first two weeks after the procedure or until the time the stitches heal. This can mean taking time off of work. High-intensity strenuous exercises are off limits for a few weeks after the surgery.
Find Out More About the Tummy Tuck
With the help of experienced double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Keegan, you can get the nicely contoured abdomen you’ve been hoping for. Ready to meet the slimmer you? Set up your consultation – contact us today.
